Chicken Spiedini is a delicious Italian-American dish featuring juicy marinated chicken pieces that are breaded, skewered, and broiled to golden perfection. This quick and flavorful recipe shines with the addition of a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, making it an easy yet impressive dinner option. It’s ready in just over an hour (including marinating time) and pairs beautifully with sides like Caesar salad or lemon rice.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces

• ½ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 lemon (2 tbsp)

• 2 tsp minced garlic

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Breading:

• 1⅓ cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (refrigerated kind)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tsp garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Other:

• Cooking spray

• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)

Directions

1. Prep & Marinate Chicken:

   • Pat chicken dry. In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add chicken, toss to coat, and chill for 30–60 minutes.

2. Prepare Breading:

   • In a second bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken:

   • Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Toss in breading mix until evenly coated.

4. Skewer and Broil:

   • Preheat broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray generously with cooking spray.

   • Thread chicken onto skewers and lay on pan with space between each skewer. Press any extra crumbs onto the chicken and spray again with cooking spray.

   • Broil for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and chicken reaches 160–165°F internally.

5. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • While chicken cooks, melt butter with garlic. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.

6. Serve:

   • Drizzle or brush sauce over cooked skewers. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Nutrients (Per serving — approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: ~497 kcal

• Protein: ~24g

• Fat: ~40g

  • Saturated Fat: ~12g

• Carbohydrates: ~11g

  • Fiber: ~0.9g

  • Sugar: ~0.7g

• Cholesterol: ~106mg

• Sodium: ~387mg

• Calcium: ~113mg

• Iron: ~1mg

• Vitamin A: ~392 IU

• Vitamin C: ~7mg

What Is Chicken Spiedini?

“Spiedini” translates to “little skewers” in Italian, and traditionally refers to meat or vegetables threaded onto sticks and grilled or broiled. Chicken Spiedini is the Italian-American spin on this method, typically involving marinated chicken pieces that are breaded and then cooked on skewers. Unlike grilled kebabs, which are often charred and smoky, Spiedini offers a crisp, oven-broiled finish that’s more delicate but equally satisfying. The addition of a buttery lemon garlic sauce brings a tangy richness that complements the crisp breadcrumbs and savory chicken.

Why This Dish Works So Well

This dish succeeds because it combines texture, bold flavor, and convenience. The chicken is marinated to infuse flavor deep into each bite, ensuring that it stays juicy during cooking. The breadcrumb coating crisps up under the broiler, forming a delicious golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat. The sauce, rich in garlic and brightened with lemon juice, adds just enough acidity to cut through the richness and tie all the flavors together. It’s an ideal balance of salty, zesty, buttery, and savory, and the final dish looks as good as it tastes.

The Power of a Simple Marinade

The marinade used for Chicken Spiedini is deceptively simple, but each ingredient plays a critical role. Olive oil provides moisture and richness, while lemon juice and zest deliver brightness that tenderizes the chicken. Chicken broth adds depth and umami, garlic brings pungency, and Italian seasoning contributes herbaceous warmth. A touch of crushed red pepper adds a gentle heat that can easily be customized to your preference. With just 30–60 minutes of marinating time, the chicken absorbs all these flavors, resulting in a deeply seasoned bite that requires minimal effort.

Breadcrumb Coating: Crispy, Cheesy Perfection

The coating for Chicken Spiedini is more than just breadcrumbs—it’s a flavorful mix of Italian-style panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The panko crumbs provide a light, crispy texture that browns beautifully under the broiler. The Parmesan cheese melts slightly during cooking, adding a savory, umami-rich crust that’s reminiscent of classic Italian dishes like chicken Parmesan. Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the delicate lemon butter sauce. This seasoned coating gives the dish a restaurant-quality finish while still being easy to prepare at home.

Skewering and Broiling: Quick and Effective Cooking

Broiling is the perfect cooking method for Chicken Spiedini. It allows the breadcrumbs to crisp up quickly while the chicken cooks evenly, staying juicy on the inside. Using skewers ensures even browning on all sides and makes for a beautiful presentation. The key to success is spacing the skewers apart on the baking sheet and using a generous amount of cooking spray to prevent sticking and encourage browning. In just 10–12 minutes under a hot broiler, the chicken is transformed into golden, crispy perfection, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or quick dinner parties.

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: The Irresistible Finishing Touch

The crowning glory of Chicken Spiedini is the lemon garlic butter sauce. Melted butter serves as the base, giving the sauce a rich, silky mouthfeel. Garlic infuses the butter with bold flavor, while fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity that lift the entire dish. Chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, making the dish feel vibrant and well-rounded. Drizzling or brushing this sauce over the broiled chicken just before serving enhances its richness and ties together all the other flavors in a subtle but satisfying way.

A Dish That’s Both Elegant and Casual

What makes Chicken Spiedini so appealing is its adaptability. It can be served casually on a weeknight with a side of lemon rice or Caesar salad, or plated beautifully for a special occasion. The skewers make it easy to portion and serve, whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a group. You can also remove the chicken from the skewers after broiling and serve it over pasta, salad greens, or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. Its visual appeal and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a standout option for both everyday and celebratory dining.

Nutritional Benefits and Balanced Flavor

Despite its indulgent appearance, Chicken Spiedini offers a balanced nutritional profile. Each serving provides around 24 grams of protein, helping to keep you full and fueled. The fat content comes mainly from the olive oil and butter, which provide richness and satiety. With only about 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving, the dish is relatively low-carb, especially when paired with light sides like roasted vegetables or salad. It’s also a great source of calcium from the Parmesan cheese and vitamins A and C from the lemon and parsley. For those watching sodium intake, it’s easy to adjust the seasoning and cheese to meet dietary preferences.

Make-Ahead Tips and Serving Suggestions

Chicken Spiedini is a great candidate for make-ahead prep. You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The breadcrumb mixture can be prepared ahead and kept in an airtight container. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. Once cooked, the skewers reheat well in the oven or air fryer. Serve them with lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness, or offer dipping sauces like aioli or pesto for added flair.

Customizations and Variations

This dish invites customization. For a spicier version, add cayenne or extra chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist, or use turkey breast if preferred. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a more aromatic profile. For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. The lemon garlic butter sauce can be infused with shallots or white wine for an even more complex finish. With so many options, you can reinvent Chicken Spiedini to suit any taste or occasion.

Conclusion

Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a dish that perfectly blends ease with elegance. With tender, marinated chicken pieces enveloped in a crisp, cheesy coating and broiled to perfection, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. The bright, buttery lemon sauce adds a luxurious final touch that elevates each bite. Whether you’re serving it on a casual weeknight or at a dinner gathering, Chicken Spiedini offers impressive flavor, minimal prep, and undeniable appeal. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll find yourself making again and again—because great food doesn’t have to be complicated to be truly unforgettable.